Apple removes this dating app from App Store for violating its content moderation policies

Apple Store

Apple has removed the dating review apps Tea Dating Advice and TeaOnHer from its App Store, citing violations of its content moderation and user privacy rules. The apps were pulled globally on October 21, after Apple found that the developers did not meet the required standards for moderation and protecting user data.

Apple told TechCrunch that the apps breached App Store guidelines 1.2, 5.1.2, and 5.6. Rule 1.2 requires apps to have tools to report and block inappropriate content and to remove objectionable material. Rule 5.1.2 prohibits sharing personal information without consent, and rule 5.6 says that apps must manage excessive negative reviews and follow the Developer Code of Conduct. Apple also noted that the apps had an excessive number of user complaints, including reports of people sharing personal details of minors.

Before taking action, Apple contacted the developers to fix the issues, but the problems were not addressed, leaving Apple with no choice but to remove the apps.

For context, Tea was designed to let women rate the men they were dating, marking them with "red flags" or "green flags." The app launched in 2023 and went viral earlier this year, but its popularity led to a data breach, raising serious privacy concerns. TeaOnHer, created by a different developer after Tea gained fame, also faced major security issues. Neither developer has publicly commented on the removals.

Interestingly, both apps are still available on Google Play, and several copycat apps have appeared on the App Store. This incident highlights Apple’s strict approach to content moderation and user privacy, especially when apps handle sensitive personal information.

With rising concerns about online safety, especially in dating apps, Apple’s move sends a clear message: apps that fail to protect users and follow moderation rules won’t stay on the App Store. Users looking for dating advice apps will need to exercise caution and check how their data is being handled.